A new study finds that even those plastic products labeled BPA free are still leeching harmful chemicals. The findings of this study can be found in the links below, but for a quick recap, most plastic products, BPA free or not, are releasing chemicals that have EA, which stands for estrogenic activity, “In other words, they release other chemicals that also mimic estrogen”(Plastic’s New Frontier: No Scary Chemicals by Jon Hamilton). What this means is that this EA is messing with our hormones, and not just ours and our children’s, but our unborn children as well. What does it matter if it is messing with hormones? When our estrogen levels are off balance, cancer rears its ugly head! The more you heat plastic, whether in a microwave or in a dishwasher, the more the materials break down and chemicals are released. At least we have some control over our children’s exposure to the plastics they come into contact with. Ditch the plastic bottles (BPA free or not) and switch to glass. In an effort to protect your child, this really isn’t a big deal. Also, get rid of your plastic food containers and switch to glass.
Here is a small list of simple actions you can take to minimize your family’s exposure:
1. As far as toys that will end up in a child’s mouth – go for wood and rubber, especially for teething.
2. Use glass containers instead of plastic.
3. Use cloth shower curtain liners (that clean smell that comes from opening a new plastic liner is actually the leeching of chemicals – PVC).
4. Glass bottles – why take the chance with any kind of plastic when glass is available? Even when I need to pump, I do it right into a glass bottle.
Informative links containing more info about the leeching of chemicals in plastics:
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/04/134240436/plastics-new-frontier-no-estrogenic-activity
Article about the actual new study from Environmental Health Perspectives: http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info:doi/10.1289/ehp.1003220
Thanks for this article. I need to replace the currently used plastic and melamine plates, cups, bowls and spoons I keep for my grandchild to use, with a healthier non-breakable choice. Can you tell me some brands of kitchenware for toddlers and where to find it? I need to pass the info on to my daughters, too. Their cabinets are full of plasticware and melamine for the children to use. Non-spill drink cups ideas would be especially helpful.
Hello! A lot of the safe brands can only be gotten online. I love planet box water bottles. They can’t trap mold, are easy to clean and last FOREVER! As long as caps are on, they don’t leak. Great for school and travel. Expensive, but worth it – I can’t tell you how many times I had to replace other stainless steel bottles because of issues with straws and breakage. Had I gotten these from the start, I would have saved money! They are here: http://amzn.to/1WudWSp. Plates – they sell stainless steel ones like these: http://amzn.to/1Wue44e
My question is, with toddlers who tend to throw their bowls/plates, is there a safe alternative to the plastic bowls/plates that won’t break when the kids throw or drop them???
Great question! I am going to continue to look into this, but I can right now recommend Green Toys plates! You can check them out at http://www.greentoys.com/greeneats/index.html
My problem is giving glass plates and bowls to a toddler who may just toss the plate/bowl and break it. Are there any indestructible options??